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Lift High the Cross: To Proclaim Jesus’ Birth

2014 Advent/Christmas/Epiphany

Devotional Booklet

Written by members of Hosanna Lutheran Church

1994—2014

INTRODUCTION

Lift High the Cross: To Proclaim Jesus’ Birth

Welcome to the 2014 edition of a daily devotion booklet

produced by the members of Hosanna Lutheran

Church. This devotional covers the Advent, Christmas and

Epiphany seasons.

2014 is the 35th anniversary of Hosanna Lutheran

Church, and this is the 21st edition of our devotional

booklet, with our first edition produced in 1994. Since it is

our anniversary, this year's booklet contains devotions

from previous editions, with many entries selected from

the earlier years. In those early years the devotion was

based on the Bible verse assigned to the day or the prayer

of the day.

This year we did not always match the verse or prayer to

the day it applies to. Instead the verse is listed with the

devotion. Please read the verse and then enjoy the

devotion. A day's devotion may also be based on a hymn,

or a faith story.

We also chose to include the background of the hymn,

“Hosanna! God’s House Growing,” (on the facing page)

especially written for Hosanna. The first verse was written

in 1990 for a building fund appeal, and additional verses

have been written for major events.

I thank the past and present members of Hosanna for

faithfully writing devotions, and Barb Anderson for all her

help assembling the booklet. I have already been blessed

by reading many of the previous editions of our devotional,

and I pray you will be blessed as well.

As Pastor Reinschmidt said in the 2000 edition “It is my

hope and prayer that these daily devotions, written by our

own members, might draw you closer to God, closer to

each other in your marriages and families, and closer to

each other in this, our family of faith.”

David Wall

CONCLUSION

What an inspiration to share in the devotions

contained in this year’s Advent Devotional Booklet

which were selected from the past twenty years of

devotions written by our members. Our family of

faith spans over three and a half decades, during

which time, this congregation has gathered to

grow in our Christian faith and has been sent to

serve our neighbors as Jesus served us.

This is a most appropriate way to conclude our

35th anniversary year. We are blessed to hear the

voices of members present and past chronicled

in this 2014 edition of Hosanna’s Advent

Devotional Booklet.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes these

words of encouragement:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so

great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay

aside every weight and the sin that clings so

closely, and let us run with perseverance the

race that is set before us, looking to Jesus

the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”

Hebrews 12:1-2a

Thank you to those witnesses who speak to us

through their writing. Thank you also to Dave Wall

for researching 20 years of Advent Devotional

archives and to Barb Anderson for editing and

printing this booklet.

Pastor Bill Meiers

Written by Pastor Bill Meiers

in 2006

Today is the celebration of the Epiphany of our Lord which is known as

the season of light. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness

has not over come it.” (John 1:5)

Odd, perhaps, that we think of “light” in this dismal part of the year. We

usually face gray days; the sky is steely, cold, unkind. The holiday

season is a memory by now. The winter is entering its darkest, coldest

days. But… here we celebrate the season of “light”… Epiphany. “The

light shines in the darkness…”

Many Biblical models of God are contained in Scripture which combine

to give us a broad understanding of who God is. One revealed in today’s

scripture lesson is God as “light.”

Light is that which guides us in darkness. Traveling our highways would

be treacherous without headlights. We wouldn’t be able to see where we

were going. We all know about the important role lighthouses play in

safely guiding ships along the coast. Way-farers are able to find their

way to safety by the guidance of the light.

When the wise men followed the star that appeared over Jesus’

birthplace, Bethlehem, they found the greatest gift God has given the

human race. God’s star provided light and guidance to the wise men.

When they reached their destination, they found the light of the world.

God of light and salvation: Illuminated by your grace and guided by your

gospel, we offer the treasures of our faith and of our hope and of our

love to your Son. Guide us by your light as you first led the wise men,

that we too may honor, worship and serve you. Amen.

January 6, 2014

Matthew 2:1-12

Hosanna! God’s House Growing

(A Song of Thanksgiving)

Verse 1 (Music and Text by Robert Giere, 1990)

The music of the song, Hosanna! God’s House Growing (A Song of

Thanksgiving), and the lyrics for the first verse were written in 1990 by

Robert (Bob) Giere, who was the director of Hosanna’s Senior Choir. Bob’s

wife, Kristy, was the organist. “Hosanna! God’s House Growing!” was the title

of the Building Fund Appeal for the addition of the Education wing which

included offices, Sunday School rooms, the kitchen, and bathrooms.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, your children heav’nward sing.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, our gifts we humbly bring.

With joyful hearts, hands and voices, each corner carefully planned,

Thru the love of Christ in his people, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

We raise this song of thanksgiving to you, oh, Lord, we sing.

Accept these gifts from your goodness, Lord, our thankful hearts we bring.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, all gifts from your mighty hand,

Hosanna! God’s house growing, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

Verse 2 (Text by Rev. Howard Reinschmidt and Nancy Wales, 1997)

In 1997 there was a Capital Fund Appeal, “With Joy and Thanksgiving.” The

purpose of the appeal was to buy down the principle on the mortgage and to

build an addition on the west end which included the gathering space, offices

and the basement area. It was decided to again use the song, Hosanna!

God’s House Growing, so Rev. Reinschmidt and Nancy Wales, Director of

Music, worked together to write verse two. Both the title of the appeal and

parts of this verse were based on the offertory prayer: “Merciful Father, we

offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves, our

time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love…” One song phrase

uses “Because He, Therefore We” which was Pastor Howard Reinschmidt’s

explanation that our Christian mission is a response to a gracious God.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, another journey starts.

With praise and joy and thanksgiving, we lift our happy hearts.

Hosanna! God’s house growing before us is our plan,

God’s grace will lead us forward, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

Our selves, our time, our possessions are used to praise God’s name.

Because he gives us his love and grace therefore we do the same.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, all gifts from your mighty hand.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

Verse 3 (Text by Roxanne Darnell, 2009)

The lyrics to verse three were written by Roxanne Darnell, a Hosanna member,

in 2009. Hosanna was celebrating its 30th Anniversary. The lyrics include

reference to Hosanna’s mission statement: As a Christian family of faith, we

are gathered to grow and sent to serve.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, God’s grace guides us each day.

Our blessings flow abundantly, thirty years and more we pray.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, our song of praise to Thee,

Hosanna! God’s house growing on to eternity.

United as a family with Christ our cornerstone,

Gathered to grow and sent to serve, our mission cry rings on.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, all gifts from your mighty hand.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

Verse 4 (Text by Nancy Wales, 2014)

Verse four was written by Nancy Wales in 2014 in honor of Hosanna’s 35th

Anniversary year. The lyrics make a reference to art because on Palm Sunday,

Rev. Oman, a guest artist, created a large painting of Jesus’ entry into

Jerusalem entitled “Hosanna!” The ELCA theme of “God’s Work, Our Hands”

and two of Hosanna’s recent program themes, “We are the Church” (2012)

and “Lift High the Cross” (2014) are included in the lyrics. Art and the act of

lifting high the cross could also bring to mind the meditation area with three

crosses on the northeast hill that Ethan Kub created. Reference is also made

to our ministry areas of Worship, Support, Discipleship, Fellowship and

Outreach.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, through art and word and song,

And thirty five years of ministry, praise God our whole life long.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, lift high the cross for all.

God’s work, our hands, for we are the church and share Christ’s grace

with all.

In worship, support and discipleship, we’re gathered all to grow.

Through fellowship and outreach, God’s love we’re sent to sow.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, all gifts from your mighty hand.

Hosanna! God’s house growing, Hosanna! God’s house stands.

When you rejoice in a beautiful day, who do you thank? Who gave us

the changing beauty of nature, the variety of the seasons, the terrifying

awesomeness of nature's force in a storm, the vast palette of colors

parading across the countryside? The answer, of course, is the Lord,

our God.

So often we go about our daily lives without ever noticing the ever

changing gift of natural art and beauty that surrounds us. We get so

caught up with our problems, our work, our families and so many things

making up our daily existence that we fail to fully appreciate one of

God's gifts to us.

I want to share with you one of my favorite ways to commune with God

and to make each day a little better and brighter. Open your eyes and

take note of the beauty right before your eyes. See the brilliant red

cardinal against the gray and white background on a cold winter day

and Thank the Lord. See the glorious colors of the spring flowers, the

lush greens of summer and the panorama of the changing foliage in

the fall and Thank the Lord. Breath in the aroma of freshly cut grass or

new mown hay and Thank the Lord. Counter the blazing summer sun

by dangling your feet in a cool stream or lake and Thank the Lord.

Marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or sunset shimmering across the

water and Thank the Lord. Walk in the rain and Thank the Lord. Make

an angel in the fresh snow or catch a snowflake on your tongue and

Thank the Lord. Lay on your back and count the stars or enjoy the

bright moonlight from a harvest moon and Thank the Lord.

I can guarantee you that you'll never have to look far to find something

beautiful in nature. Then, while you’re savoring that wondrous example

of God's glory, take a few minutes to Thank the Lord for all that he has

made. It is such a simple thing to do and won't take more than a

minute of your time, and yet, it will bring an extra measure of peace

and pleasure that will carry you through the day. Try it and see!

Praise God in all his glory!

Written by Margie Kyllo

in 2000

January 5, 2014

Psalm 29

This passage describes how God spoke to Moses through a burning

bush. I will admit I’ve always been a little envious of this occurrence. I

find myself wishing for something that “obvious” from God. I sometimes

wonder how I will know when God answers my prayer; how will I know

when he wants me to do something or if that’s God’s voice I hear.

Is it as simple as listening?

Furthermore, this text reveals the reservations Moses had about being

the right person for the job. Moses asks what he should tell the people

when they ask exactly who sent him. God’s answer was simply to say,

“Tell them ‘I Am’ has sent me.” The Sovereign God… The God of our

ancestors..I am…

How cool is that!

Is it as simple as trusting?

The scripture tells us that he visits his people, he sees what’s

happening, he will be with us in whatever he asks us to do. I take great

comfort in those thoughts. In a few days, we will have the inaugurations

of our next president—is it who you wanted to see in the White House? Is

this newly elected servant questioning if he’s the “right person”

Is it as simple as faith?

I believe it is as simple as listening for God’s voice. It is as simple as

trusting that the Great ‘I Am’ is still in charge and it is as simple as

having the faith that God can work with whatever we are.

Prayer: Here I am Lord, it is I Lord… thank you Lord!

Written by Carrie Phillips

in 2004

January 4, 2014

Exodus 3:1-15

Our 1998 Minnesota election created quite a stir. The race for the top

political office in our state government captured national, even

international attention. My confirmation class wanted to talk about

nothing else on the Wednesday after the election. Who did you vote for?

The unspoken questions was, “Can a pro wrestler really be a successful

governor?” With all of this how do you get eighth graders back to

considering God the Father Almighty? How do you return this discussion to

the lesson about our beliefs concerning his only Son our Lord?

The philosophical concept of meta narrative was the perfect tool for the

job. A meta narrative is simply a large over arching story. It is the “big

picture,” the framework which we use to define ourselves and try to

understand the world around us. How do you get eighth graders into a

philosophical discussion about our Christian meta narrative? Well it

started with a simple questions. “Hey, why do you think pro wrestling is so

popular? How is it that this small time spectacle of armories and

gymnasiums has turned into an event which fills seventy and eighty

thousand seat arenas? What make people hand over $35 and more for a

seat?

The answer, meta narrative! Pro wrestling at its core is a ritual

reenactment of the classic conflicts of good and evil. The good guy versus

the bad guy. $35 a seat gets spent because people are searching for

heroes. Our society’s searching for the meta narrative, for something to

believe in. We yearn to cheer for the good guys and to despise the wicked.

That is why the Target Center was filled to the rafters with screaming,

searching, humanity as they gathered for WCW Monday Nitro. That is why

this has become a multi-million dollar industry.

Now guess what kids? As Christians, we have exactly what all these

people are looking for. Our meta narrative begins at Genesis 1:1, “In the

beginning…” Our meta narrative follows the history of God’s chosen

people, the life of Christ, and the early church. Our meta narrative looks

open endedly toward a “world without end.” This is our big picture! This is

the great story which defines us and give us our framework for

understanding our world. This is where we find our heroes and our

villains. Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Noah and the ark, David and

Goliath, Daniel in the lions den, the visions of the prophets, the shot from

Jesse’s rod, the manger, the miracles, the parables, the cross the empty

tomb, the disciples, the early churches, the martyrs, the reformation, and

we as Christians, through our lives and actions are writing the next

chapter in the story. What shall be written of us as we await the return of

the Davidic King and the glory of the Kingdom described so well in our

text? Come Lord Jesus.

Written by Lou Hermansen

in 1998

November 30, 2014

Isaiah 11:1-10

Written by Barb Lindberg

in 1995

December 1, 2014

Romans 15:4-9a

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction,

so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we

might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement

grant you to live n harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ

Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ

has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has

become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in

order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in

order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.”

Traditions teach us so many things, but sometimes we forget the reason

for the tradition. We become so involved in the tradition that we forget the

message it sends to others.

Christmas is full of such traditions: the traditional Christmas cookies, the

Christmas dinner and Christmas carols. There are so many things that fill

the season that the message gets lots.

CHRIST IS BORN!

In Romans 15:4-9a it says: “For whatever was written in former days was

written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the

encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.”

Think of the endurance and encouragement God gave Mary and Joseph. It

was not an easy situation. Mary was going to have a baby. They were far

from home. The baby was God’s son! It would have been difficult for

anyone to continue on this path without hope.

Yet despite this difficult situation, many found reason to glorify God. The

angels were first, and they told the shepherds. The shepherds could not

keep quiet. They also spread the news.

CHRIST IS BORN!

During this Christmas season let us spread this great news. Help us to

include everyone: friend or foe. For it is Jesus who unified us as one body.

Together we can praise and glorify God so that all will know his mercy.

Romans 15 has its own benediction in verse thirteen. It is not included in

the verses for my devotion, but I’m including it. It sums up Romans 15 for

me. For friends or foes, family and strangers, I have no greater wish than

this:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that

you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

“What is in a name?” the poet says, A rose is as sweet by any other name.”

It’s true. A name, standing alone by itself, cannot change the thing to which it

refers. Just think, roses grow all around the world, and there are hundreds of

languages and dialects that each have a different name for the rose. Obviously,

one way of saying “rose” is as good as another. There is not a particular name

for “rose” that captures the essential nature of the rose better than all the rest.

Yet, just stopping with the fact that there can be multiple names for a thing

seems to come up a little short. A name is much more than just a collection of

letters and sounds to us. It is a way of capturing our thoughts and memories, a

method of expressing special feelings, and it is the means through which we

associate together many ideas. The word, “rose,” by itself means little. After all,

it is just four letters put together to make a single word. However, it is also

much more than just those four letters; for when we hear it, many things begin

to happen. When we think of “rose” we begin to remember its fragrance and

color, the shape of the flower as it unfolds from a tight bud to the full bloom,

and who can forget those prickly thorns. On top of that, we usually don’t stop

just to think about the physical aspect of the rose. Rather, we go on with our

thoughts, and we reflect about those happy events in our lives that were

accompanied by giving and receiving roses: a special date, the day of a

marriage proposal, weddings anniversaries, and the birth of babies.

Speaking of babies, let me give an example of where names are not taken

lightly. This year our family was blessed with the birth of a little girl, Marissa

Nicole! Oh, how we were just like most parents, agonizing over picking a name

for our expected child. Our little girl’s name had to be special just like she was

going to be. There was the inevitable trip to the library to borrow several books

of names. Then Nancy and I began pouring through the books, trying out the

names, rolling them over our tongues to make sure they sounded just right, and

reading where the names originated and what they meant. Several of the books

listed famous people who had shared the name. This, of course, stirred the

memories of people we knew. It was amazing to have these powerful feelings

as I recalled faces and places that I associated with the names I was reading.

All that just with picking out a name.

I have come to believe that there is some divine guidance when a baby is born

and when they are named. I am not alone in this. Any parent could “bend your

ear” with the events and feelings they had as they named their babies. They

could “talk a mile” about the special significance of the names of their children.

We were all just like the parents in today's bible verse—maybe we did not have

an angel visit us, but something divine was at work in our lives as we named

our babies.

Did you know what the name “Jesus “ means? It means something special! It is

Hebrew for the “Lord is salvation.” It is a name that fits like no other.

What’s in a name? More than we can ever say! The Lord is Salvation, indeed,

indeed!

Written by Rich Wales

in 1995

January 3, 2014

Luke 2:21

“Welcome to Our World,” by Chris Rice, is a contemporary Christmas hymn. The

simple words and melody are meaningful for this time and age.

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking;

How I need to hear from God.

You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting,

Welcome, holy Child, welcome, holy Child.

Every day and time has its own particular struggles, but it seems, in today’s

world, there are so many misfortunes. People today are facing economic issues,

illness, hunger, personal and family problems…and the list goes on and on. And

how the words, tears are falling, hearts are breaking, reflect those difficulties.

We need to hear from God and we are waiting.

Hope that you don’t mind our manger,

How I wish I would have known.

But long awaited holy Stranger,

Make yourself at home, please make yourself at home.

Amidst our problems and toils, we are waiting with open arms and open hearts

for the holy Stranger. We are waiting for the Infant Savior to come to the

manger we have prepared for him, no matter how extravagant, or how meager

that manger is. We want him here with us. We want the Child to feel at home in

our hearts.

Bring your peace into our violence,

Bid our hungry souls be filled.

Word now breaking Heaven’s silence,

Welcome to our world, welcome to our world.

We pray for peace and for you to fill the emptiness in our lives, Heavenly Child.

We welcome you into our lives and connect ourselves to Heaven through your

life.

Fragile finger sent to heal us,

Tender brow prepared for thorn,

Tiny heart whose blood will save us,

Unto us is born, unto us is born.

The tiny Baby was born for a purpose. He was to wear the crown of thorns on

his path to his crucifixion. He bled for us and saved us from our sins. The

Christmas message would not be complete without the Good Friday message or

the message of the Resurrection.

So wrap our injured flesh around You,

Breathe our air and walk our sod.

Rob our sin and make us holy,

Perfect Son of God, perfect Son of God.

Prayer: Lord, you have lived with us on this earth and you have taken our

broken souls and hearts and washed us in your blood. We welcome you,

innocent Child, into our sinful world and thank you for taking our sins and

making us whole. Welcome to our world and welcome into our hearts. Amen

Written by Carol Strand

in 2009

January 2, 2014

“Welcome to Our World”

“Almighty God, you once called John the Baptist to give witness to the

coming of your Son and to prepare his way. Grant, us, your people, the

wisdom to see your purpose today and the openness to hear your will,

that we may witness to Christ’s coming and so prepare his way; through

Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.”

Today’s devotion is based on the prayer above. The prayer asks God to

help us prepare for Christ’s coming. Advent, which includes the four

Sundays before Christmas, is this time of preparation. Today it

sometimes seems as if Advent begins four months before Christmas.

Hallmark “unveils” their Christmas ornament collection in July.

Christmas catalogs begin arriving at our homes in August and

September. Shopko has Christmas trees up by early October. Toyland

opens at Fleet Farm in mid October.

It is so easy to get caught up in this whirlwind of secular preparation;

sometimes this preparation can be very stressful. “The holidays” are one

of my favorite times of the year, but last year, the preparation seemed

almost overwhelming. In addition to working, responsibilities at home,

and studying for a major test, I also felt that all the Christmas

preparation had to be done in a timely manner. Christmas cards had to

be written, the perfect gifts had to be chosen (and wrapped) for family

members and friends, the kids had to have Christmas outfits, we had to

cut our own tree, the house had to be decorated, cookies and fruitcake

had to be baked, and sponge candy had to be made for my father-in-law.

On Christmas Eve, my husband and I have established a tradition of

leaving our children with my in-laws, while we attend a midnight service

at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Duluth. St. Paul’s is a

beautiful old church with an equally beautiful Christmas service. Last

year, as I slid into the pew of the crowded church, the obvious hit me

like a ton of bricks. I was so busy writing, shopping, baking, decorating

and wrapping that I had forgotten to prepare my heart for Christ’s

coming! I prayed that in coming Advent seasons, I would remember the

true meaning of Advent. What a lesson in “putting Christ back into

Christmas!”

Prayer: “Lord, hear our prayer and come to us, bringing light into the

darkness of our hearts; for you live and reign with the Father and the

Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”

Written by Myra Wick

in 1999

December 2, 2014

LBW Prayer for 3rd Sunday in Advent

Written by Barb Schepp

in 2007

December 3, 2014

James 5:9-10

In the past couple of years I’ve written for Hosanna’s annual devotional

booklet and was excited to find out that this year it was going to be based on

our personal faith stories. I thought, “Great! This faith story writing has got to

be easier than writing about a Bible verse.” Well, it’s not. I know that I have

faith, but how do I write it down on paper? I decided to plagarize myself. In

1999, I wrote a devotion for Council that had to do with the book of Ruth. I

came upon it a couple of months ago and thought that it still rang true for me.

Even though Ruth didn’t live in the time of Christ’s birth, the book still has

meaning to me and my faith.

“Look,” said Naomi; “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her

gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to

turn my back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.

Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Where you die I

will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so

severely if anything but death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized

Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.

This was a verse that Kevin and I had read for our wedding ceremony. And

that is what most people think of when they read and hear it. But for the last

seven years, this story has had new meaning to me. This is a story of

commitment between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law during adverse

times. For me it is about my commitment to my mother.

Forty-three years ago, my mother made a commitment to take care of me as I

grew, when I was sick, to praise me for good deeds and reprimand me when I

misbehaved (which was very few times). She also committed to bring me up

in the Christian faith. My mother had a quiet strength and she made sure that

we were in church, attended Sunday school and grew up with the knowledge

that Jesus was our Savior. She may not have been able to give us material

things, but she was committed to her children and her own faith.

Seven years ago my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Over those years

I have watched my mother become the one who needs the assurance,

assistance and commitment from me, her daughter. I made the decision that

she needed to be closer to me so I could assist her on this journey of

Alzheimer’s, so I moved her to Rochester. I have found out that the journey is

not an easy one. It has taken away the mother I grew up with and knew.

The faith and commitment my mother demonstrated and instilled in me as a

youth has taken hold. We may not be able to communicate with each other

(because she no longer talks), but just as she did when I was young, I hold her

hand and speak words of comfort so she knows that I am here for her. It is

through my faith that I can make that commitment to my mother and ensure

that she knows she is cared for and loved.

It is also with that faith that I look to the commitment that God made to us

through the birth of his son, Jesus Christ. May your Christmas season be

filled with love, joy and faith!

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a

woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under

the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you

are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,

“Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child

then also an heir, through God.”

When I was 8 years old, my mother re-married and my stepfather, Bill

Carson, adopted my sister and me. By giving us his name, he gave us

the gift of family. He did this freely by choice because he loved my Mom

first and then he grew to love us.

God “adopted” us as sons and daughters because he chose to also. For

God, it involved more than just making the decision and filling out some

paperwork to make it legal. Because we weren’t “free” to be adopted

and were “slaves to our sins,” he first had to do something about our

sins. God sent his son Jesus to redeem us. Jesus was “born of a

woman,” fully human like us, and “born under the law,” subject to the

rules and laws like all other Jews of his time. But Jesus had to die for us

to be redeemed.

God bought us back from a life of slavery to sin through the sacrifice of

his own Son. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we receive the “full

rights of sons.” God freely gives us all his blessings and love including

the right to inherit the salvation that we don’t deserve.

I loved my stepfather and called him Dad because he freely gave me his

name and his love. We became a family. I’ve been thankful for that all

my life, and I gave my Dad’s last name, Carson, to my first son out of

respect and love for him.

It’s all the more amazing to realize that I am also given the name “child

of God” and made a part of God’s family. Verse 4:6 says, “God sent the

Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” God allows us to

call him, Abba, Father, one of the most intimate and loving descriptions

of the relationship between a parent and child.

What a wonderful gift of love and redemption, freely given, for us to

contemplate as we begin the new year! May we share that gift of God’s

love with our family and friends and all those in need of love and hope.

Written by Barb Anderson

in 2005

January 1, 2014

Galatians 4:4-7

“Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became

flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do:

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”

When I was a child, my home church in Yale, South Dakota, had an annual

“Mission Festival.” A guest pastor would preach at both morning and afternoon

services, and a wonderful potluck meal would be served at noon. Both offerings

would go for missions. One of the guest pastors told a story I’ll never forget. A

young man from the “Lower 48” left for Alaska to seek his fame and fortune. He

came from a reverent, God-fearing Midwestern family. He was unprepared for

the foul godless, profane atmosphere of the lumber camp where he got a job.

After several years of working in Alaska, he came home for a visit. He told his

parents and family about life in such a lumber camp. His mother, bless

her heart, was naturally concerned about her son’s spiritual and moral

development. “Son,” she asked, “How did all those rough characters treat you,

knowing that you were a Christian?” The young man couldn’t meet his mother

eyes. Instead, he looked down and said softly, “They never found out.”

The story from at least 50 years ago has wedged itself in my mind. “They never

found out.”

The Prayer of the Day for this coming Sunday is also most fitting for New Year’s

Eve. “Let the light of our faith shine in all that we do…” We have just

experienced the “new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us.”

We have knelt in spirit at the manger of our Newborn King. We have seen the

brightness of the glory of God shown in the shepherds of Bethlehem. We have

received the greatest Christmas gift of all: a Savior born for us. Won’t the

brightness of God’s love in Jesus shine brightly in our lives. Won’t the light of

our faith shine in all that we do? Won’t people around us be able to tell that we

serve a heavenly King? Won’t people around us be able to tell by our acts of

kindness and mercy and forgiveness that we are reflecting the love of Christ?

Won’t they know we are Christians by our love?

On this last day of 1997, we confess that at times (in fact, far too often!) we

have been like the young man in Alaska. We’ve been too afraid, too timid, to

witness by our words and actions. We’ve hidden our light under a bushel

basket, as Jesus once said. But there is forgiveness in Christ! He stands ready

to give us his Holy Spirit to make our light shine. We have before us the gift of a

brand new year, a year of unlimited potential. Let’s let the light of our faith

shine brightly!

Prayer: “I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the

stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In him there is no

darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of

the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus” (With One Voice, #649 vs. 1)

Written by Pastor Howard Reinschmidt December 31, 2014

in 1997 Prayer for 2nd Sunday after Christmas

Other students laughed at him. He was on the football team, but was a

mediocre player. On the weekends, he would walk arm in arm with an

older man around the campus. That created quite a few stares and cruel

remarks. During mid-season, the football team was losing to a rival

team. But that day, the young man was especially persistent about

playing. Finally out of desperation, the coach agreed the game couldn’t

get any worse and he put the young man into the game for one series of

plays.

The young man never left the game. He played with an intensity and with

a skill that had not been seen before. He brought the team back with a

series of touchdowns and finally led the team on a final drive for the

winning score. He was mobbed by his teammates and after the game

was asked, “Why haven’t we seen you play like that before?” He

answered quietly. “You know about the older man that I’ve walked with

every weekend. He was my father and he was blind. He passed away

last week and today was the first day he could see me play.”

In today’s reading about John the Baptist, it says he was clothed in

camel’s hair and ate locusts. That also must have created stares and

cruel remarks. How many people do you suppose laughed at him? But

just like the young man in the story above, John’s faith in God was

complete and unyielding. John knew his calling was to “prepare the way

of the Lord, and make his paths straight.” And he reminded everyone

that “after me comes he, who is mightier than I.”

From Hymn 36 in the Lutheran Book of Worship,

“On Jordan’s banks the Baptist’s cry

announces that the Lord is night;

Awake and hearken for he brings

Glad tidings of the King of kings!”

What a gift God has given us! Because Jesus Christ was born and died

for our sins, we can be born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5-15).

Just like the young man’s father in the story above, we too will enjoy

eternal life because “the Son of man will be lifted up, that whoever

believes in him may have eternal life.”

Let’s celebrate this advent season by thanking God for his inexpressible

gift of love.

Written by Dave Amundson

in 1999

December 4, 2014

Mark 1:5-8

“I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and

that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I

want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure

and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the

fruits of your salvation—those good things that are produced in your life

by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

We have good times and down times in our lives. I find it much easier to

be a front runner during the good times. When business is doing well or

when all my family is happy and healthy, I feel really good and have more

enthusiasm. It is easier to smile, to jump out of bed in the morning and

go to work. When the world is troubled, when the stock market drops, or

when anyone in the family is having a hard time, it isn’t quite so easy to

get started. I sometimes have to give myself a pep talk and change my

attitude.

Paul writes these verses in the midst of trouble in Rome. He is in prison

and doesn’t know if he will be released or die there. Nevertheless, his

thoughts are not about himself, but about the Philippians. Paul is content

and wants to share that attitude with his friends. He wants them to share

his feeling of contentment, no matter when problems appear. He wants

them to remember the good things that come from a life in Jesus Christ.

He wants them to remember that Jesus brought love into the world, and

that love should be shared over flowingly. Paul wants the Philippians (and

us) to change the way we think, so that we will know God’s will for us.

During the advent season, as we await the birth of our Savior, let us apply

the teaching of Paul to our everyday life. May we grow in understanding

and may our love overflow to our family, friends and all of those around

us. Let us lead such a life in Christ, that people will know we are

Christians by the way we live!

Prayer: Dear Father, you are the perfect example of giving and love. Help

us grow in understanding, that we may also model the life of your Son.

Amen

Written by Larry Larsen

in 2003

December 5, 2014

Philippians 1:9-11

“I know what you’re going through…”

Have you ever had a friend come up to you after a tragic event, give you

a big hug and say, “I know what you are going through. The same thing

has happened to me.” Maybe it was the death of a loved one. Maybe it

was the loss of a job. Perhaps it was a low grade on an important test. It

could be any situation which you feel is hopeless and overwhelming.

How comforting and reassuring it is to have the friendship and advice of

someone, who has been in a similar situation and overcome the tragic

and helpless feeling and once again has captured the joy of living. It is

wonderful to sense the empathy your friend had. The dictionary defines

empathy as, “the complete understanding of another’s feelings.”

In today’s Bible reading, we hear how Jesus is able to have empathy for

us humans. When he became a human, through childhood, the teenage

years, and adulthood, Jesus had to deal with the trials and tribulations

that humans go through. He had the same needs of clothing, food, and

water. He dealt with human relationship problems that developed when

he interacted with other humans. Jesus was tempted by the devil just

like us. He truly can say, “I know what you are going through.”

Now look carefully at verse 17. What tremendous news that is for us! To

know that Jesus is our faithful and merciful High Priest means that he

will accept us no matter what we do. Our sins will always be forgiven. He

will always be by our side ready to give us the needed hug and extend

his guiding hand to lead us through every difficult situation.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank your for sending your son to be a

human, to understand us more completely. Help us to show empathy to

others during difficult times so that they may see your love through our

words and deeds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Written by Larry Burfiend

in 1994

December 30, 2014

Hebrews 2:14-18

This song has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs, because

I feel like I can really understand it. Usually we hear about how happy

Mary must have been when she found out that she was carrying the Son

of God—and I’m sure she was very happy, but was happiness all she was

feeling? I can never help thinking that if it was me in Mary’s situation, I

would freak out! I would doubt that I could possibly be the best person

for the job, and think that God must have somehow made a mistake.

Basically, I would be terrified.

As this song is written from Mary’s perspective, it talks about those

potential doubts. In lyrics like: “I am frightened by the load I bear,”

“Must I walk this path alone,” and “Do you wonder as you watch my face

if a wiser one should have had my place?” We see how confused, scared

and unsure Mary may have been. Yet, instead of giving in to her fears,

Mary simply admits them and asks for help. She asks God to ‘be with

her, ’ to ‘lighten her darkness,’ and to ‘help her be strong.’

We can all take something from Mary’s faithfulness. She recognizes that

this is a huge load to bear, and is not sure how she will do it. Yet she

also knows that God would never give her anything she couldn’t handle

(without his help, that is). So she gives her worries up to God. She asks

him to handle them, to give her strength, and to be with her through it

all.

We may not face situations quite like Mary’s in our every day lives, but

I’m sure all of us have had things happen to us that we weren’t sure

how to handle. Times when we wonder if God could have possibly made

a mistake in giving us this task that we obviously weren’t cut out for. It is

in times like these that we should follow Mary’s example and remain

faithful. Give it all up to God and let him guide you through. Remember,

he won’t give you anything you can’t handle together.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for all that you have done for me,

and thank you for using Mary to carry your Son—the Light of the world.

Be with me in my struggles and remind me to remain faithful to you

through it all. Be my strength when I feel weak, and be my hope when I

have none. Be my ‘Breath of Heaven’ every day. In your holy and

precious name I pray, Amen.

Written by Lisa Modry

in 2009

December 29, 2014

“Breath of Heaven”

“Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his

coming, give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path

through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our

Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and

forever. Amen.”

How often does it happen that you read or say something you know you

have recited or repeated countless times before, yet when you say it one

certain day, it says something totally new? As I read this prayer, I recalled

many seasons of Advent when I know that my thoughts would go to the

anticipation of Christmas and all the wonderful preparations and

festivities that go with it, all of them leading to Christ's birthday. But today

I found myself focused on the "give us strength in our conflicts" segment.

Maybe it has something to do with events of recent days, or the fact that

it's only October.

The whole season of Advent is suppose to be about preparing our hearts

for Christ's coming. Yet today during adult Sunday School, we watched the

last portion of a video on Dietrich Bonheoffer's life (this is part of

Hosanna's video library and a must see for all!). When I contrast my life

and the sacrifices I make with that of Dietrich Bonheoffer, I am

embarrassed and humbled. The strength he was given in the midst of the

dreaded Gestapo gave him the courage to face death. How can I show a

faith as strong and courageous as his? Must I go to such lengths?

We all meet conflicts in different ways, and none of us know what depths

of courage we will have or need. But I believe that by being prepared with

scripture, prayer and the practice of faith every day, we arm ourselves with

the tools that can see us through the difficult times.

I'm reminded of a man who died recently, the brother of a friend of mine.

At his funeral many people who surrounded his life spoke of his

enthusiasm for life. It was seen in how he farmed, how he devoted his life

to his family and how he lived his faith. He celebrated life and lived it

serving others, never ever thinking he needed to be repaid. This man's life

had it's share of struggles -- the death of an infant daughter, another

daughter stricken with cerebral palsy, along with the challenges of the

farm economy. Yet this man was an example to all that life was meant to

be lived fully, reflecting God's love. All around him people were affected by

this contagious enthusiasm for service and love of Christ Jesus!

How I admire the lives of both these men, and the examples they set! Yet

we know that Christ's example is the perfect one of love, sacrifice and

servanthood. As I look forward to the coming Advent season and the

Christmas holiday, I hope to feel this new dimension of servanthood, this

"stirring up" that comes through the grace given by Christ. Thanks be to

God. Amen.

Written by Connie Ness

in 2000

Written by Connie Ness

in 2000

December 6, 2014

LBW Prayer for 2nd Sunday in Advent

“Almighty God, you once called John the Baptist to give witness to the

coming of your Son and to prepare his way. Grant, us, your people, the

wisdom to see your purpose today and the openness to hear your will, that

we may witness to Christ’s coming and so prepare his way; through Jesus

Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever.”

Zechariah and Elizabeth, according to Luke’s account, were both righteous

before God, obeying the commandments of the Lord. In their old age,

however, they still did not have the blessing of a child until the angel Gabriel

assured them they would have a son named John. This son would bring

them great joy and gladness, and he would prepare the people for their

Lord. After John’s birth Zechariah prophesied that John would go ahead of

the Lord to prepare the road for him; to tell his people that they would be

saved by having their sins forgiven.

The word of God came to John, and so, the prophecy was fulfilled. Their son

went into the region around the Jordan River, preaching repentance of sins

and forgiveness, and performing many baptisms. In Luke 3:10-18, we learn

that John stirred the people up, encouraging them to share with their

neighbors in need and to be fair in their dealings with others. He told them

of Jesus coming to them with the Holy Spirit to change their lives forever.

I remember a trip my husband and I made to a concert in Ames, Iowa with

some friends. We came home through a fog so dense we could hardly see

the end of the hood of the car. The headlights did little to show us the way

home.

Sometimes the preparations for the holiday season envelop us like a thick

fog. We cannot see past the tinsel and the glitter, the holiday parties, the

presents to be bought and wrapped, and the preparations for meals of

great taste and proportions. When we try to see through the fog with the

bright lights of the holiday season we cannot find our way.

However, if we ask God for his guidance and the openness to hear and do

his will, we are given the focus to see through the fog that surrounds us.

With sudden clarity we can see how our Lord wants us to prepare his way

and witness to his coming. We can share the anticipation and joy of the gift

of God’s only Son with those whom our lives touch.

We take the opportunity to attend midweek Advent services to keep our

focus and praise our God. Evening mealtime devotions with our families

around an Advent candle strengthen our families. Christmas cards sent to

family and friends can wish them God’s blessings in the New Year. We take

the time to contribute to the charities that we feel support people in need.

We begin to look for avenues to serve others in our daily lives.

Worship, devotions, witness, service—through these means, Lord, help us to

prepare for your second coming as well.

Written by Ginny Solberg

in 1995

December 7, 2014

LBW Prayer for 3rd Sunday in Advent

DAVID THE POET

Face it, we really don’t know if David wrote the many psalms for which

he is credited. But let’s just assume he did write many…I do.

It’s highly significant and sufficiently remarkable that this David was

quite a fellow. This David’s story provides more plot and detail, more

characters and landscape, than any other in scripture. But if God elects

and anoints—that’s enough.

But not so fast. David was, in a dismissive way, “just” an expressive

young fellow. His father failed to present him to Samuel—it probably

didn’t even occur to him. To his brothers he was “kind of odd”—he wrote

poetry.

But when God anoints, God anoints. And with the choice of David, the

runt and the shepherd—the poet, to be the anointed, to be a sign and

representative of God’s working presence in human life and history, it is

surely intended to convey a sense of inclusion to all ordinary plain folk,

the undistinguished, like you and me, as part of Hosanna’s

congregation. Which is to say, the overwhelming majority of all of us who

have been anointed by God in our baptism, have status too. It is for us a

kind of election into God’s purposes—not by popular vote. Election into

God’s purpose is not based on proven ability or potential promise, it is

by God’s gift of grace.

So it is of considerable moment to realize that the centerfold of your

Bible (the Psalms are in the middle) are powerful poetry and prayer that

bring us into living faith. And just imagine David – gifted David – may be

the poet laureate of many.

Go with me to Psalm 71. Consider David, of a good age, reflecting in

these great words. (Hey, I’m of a good age, also.)

5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my

youth

8 My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory

all day long.

9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not

forsake me when my strength is spent.

17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still

proclaim your wondrous deeds.

18 So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not

forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the

generations to come.

23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to you; my

soul also, which you have rescued.

Written by Pastor Jim Mattson

in 2010

December 28, 2014

Psalm 71

Some of the greatest memories I have of when I was younger was going

to church on Christmas Eve with my parents and 6 siblings. The night

was usually brisk and cold with snow glistening in the moon light. In

front of the church was a nativity scene with a warm light glowing over

the cradle of baby Jesus. When we entered the church, family and

friends were greeting each other with smiles and hugs. It was a friendly

atmosphere filled with laughter and the excitement of families getting

together to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

All nine of us filled in one long, maroon, cushioned pew and waited for

the organ to break out in joyous Christmas hymns. One of my favorite

hymns was “Oh Come All Ye Faithful.” The song tells of the miraculous

birth of Jesus, and with each new verse we sang louder as the organist

belted out the melody with heartfelt intensity.

At the end of each verse our voices softened as we sang “Oh come let

us adore Him” and then we gradually got louder until we proudly sang

“Christ the Lord!”

When the service was over we all received a small, white paper sack

filled with sweet, hard candies, an apple, and a popcorn ball. And then

on the way home, my dad would always take the long way, so we could

take in all of the twinkling, pretty Christmas tree lights and decorations.

The familiar Christmas Eve traditions, from singing favorite hymns in

church to munching on a popcorn ball always filled us with a new sense

of wonder and excitement. Of course, we were always filled with

anticipation of opening gifts Christmas morning, but we all knew in our

hearts, because we were taught, that the greatest gift we would receive

was God’s son, Jesus, our Savior!

Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!

Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him

Born the King of angels:

Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come,

let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him,

Christ the Lord!

May Christ’s love lift you up every day!

Written by Terry Ashworth

in 2009

December 27, 2014

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

I remember when as a child I prayed that my father would attend church and be

baptized. When I was older my father would drop me off at confirmation class on

Saturday morning but, other than funerals, he only attended church services twice,

once for a Christmas Candlelight Service and again to walk me down the aisle at

my wedding. After I grew up and had a home of my own I still had hope for my

father’s spiritual life. But my prayers went unanswered –at least the way I thought

they would be answered. This was painful for me and not very good soil to grow

faith. So why do I believe?

I am thankful for my mother and her strong Scandinavian Christian heritage. She

did her best to take me to church. I remember that church was a place where I felt

safe and peaceful, a refuge for me. I still visit the neighbor who, along with her

husband, sometimes drove me to Sunday School on their way to their own church.

I was somewhat embarrassed about asking them for a ride but I will long

remember how they sang hymns as we rode the ten miles from our neighboring

farms to town. It felt good to be with them because they were always happy and,

unlike my own family experience, there were never any harsh words. I also am

thankful for my grandmother who had me stay at her house one block from our

church so I could attend Bible School. There were others, Sunday School teachers,

a great aunt and my pastor’s wife who nurtured my spiritual life. Marked with the

cross of Christ at my baptism and blessed by the Holy Spirit, my faith grew.

But I am not any different than the father of the boy with the unclean spirit who

cried out, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) Jesus healed this man’s

son. Certainly, Jesus has helped me even though I have had questions about

religion. I questioned the religion of a teenage acquaintance who claimed to be a

“born again” Christian and yet he was not always kind to me. I felt he and his

friends did not accept my faith. When as a young woman I attended a Bible study, I

had doubts about the inferences that Jews would be denied eternal life. I

contacted a trusted friend who assured me that God has a plan for the Jews. In

recent years I fell into the aftermath of September 11 and the doubts about the

Muslim faith. However, before that horrible day, I had helped a Muslim woman.

She had asked me why I helped her. By the grace of God I replied, “Jesus would

help you and that is what I am supposed to do.” Although I may never totally

understand God’s plan for all people, I cling to the words of an elderly woman I had

as a patient at Saint Mary's Hospital. When she was given a poor prognosis, I went

to her bedside to give her support. Don’t worry about me,” she said, “My God is a

good guy!” And so I believe in a loving God who desires good lives for all.

This loving God has given me so much. So very importantly I have been given a

wonderful husband. As teenagers, on dates he and I prayed for our life together if

it was God’s will. We have had forty-seven years of marriage blessed with a

wonderful family. Our prayers were answered, I thank God. Together we believe.

This Christmas I will hear the scripture account of the birth of Christ and I will

believe as I always have. I will know that my faith is not wrought of my own merits. I

know faith is a gift wrapped in the blood of our Savior who was born in a stable and

who died on a cross for all. By the grace of God, I believe.

God of Love, thank you for the gift of faith and for your unconditional love. I believe

in your son, Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

Written by Joanne Larsen

in 2007

December 8, 2014

John 8:12-18

“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to

you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Is living the Christian life ever hard for you? It sure is for me at times. Like you, I try

to focus on having a priority for daily Bible reading, devotions, prayer time, weekly

church attendance, following the 10 Commandments, and on and on. However... In

Romans 1:7 it says that those who are loved by God (that’s us) are called to be

“saints.” C’mon now.. That can’t really be what modern Christians are called to do!

I mean, that was for those folks living centuries ago, right? Being a “saint” would

bring my capacity for leading the Christian life a bit over the edge!

It says in the notes of my NIV Study Bible that Paul sent this greeting to the

Romans in a letter preparing them for an upcoming visit that was connected to a

mission trip he was taking to Spain. The basic idea in Greek for the word “saint” is

“holiness.” It continues to explain that all Christians are “saints” in that they are

“set apart” by God and are being made increasingly “holy” by the Holy Spirit.

With that insight into the meaning of Romans 1:7 it helps me to see that my

“calling” to be a saint is a process, not a final product of my becoming a Christian.

Whew! My anxiety level is starting to drop but I’m still not really clear on what it will

look like to be made increasingly “holy.” I like the word “increasingly” because it

means that I shouldn’t expect to be perfectly holy today, but that I am moving in

the direction of “holiness.” But now I’m wondering. What does “holiness” look like?

I sure don’t wear a halo!

As I think about the baby Jesus born in a lowly manger surrounded by his virgin

mother and Godly father and all the angels... Now that to me is a picture of

“holiness.” How can I ever expect to become like a member of that Holy family?

The Bible tells us that the answer to that question is the reason for Christmas! God

sent Jesus as a baby to a fallen world with a mission of shining the light of his truth

and love, preaching the Gospel, and ultimately making the sacrifice of dying on the

cross to save us. Then Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be

seated at the right hand of God, leaving for believers the Holy Spirit as our guide

and comforter. When we choose to say ‘NO’ to the world as our master and ‘YES’

to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit invades our hearts and lives within

us to lead us toward “ever increasing holiness.” That’s good news, because I sure

could never do it myself!

Finally, as I continue to try to get a picture in my mind as to what this “increasing

holiness” might look like, again I turn to a reference noted in my Bible: Colossians

2:12-14 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe

yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear

with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one

another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love,

which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

That’s it!! “Put on love”... That’s what holiness means and that’s what the birth of

Jesus brings us to celebrate. I praise God that he has called us to be “saints.”

Through the power of the Holy Spirit and through grace He will lead us to ever

increasing “holiness” if we continue to “put on love” and “put on JESUS,” as the

one who will bind all of these attributes and virtues of holiness together in perfect

unity. Thanks be to God!

Written by Nancy Johnson

in 2001

December 9, 2014

Romans 1:7

The story of Stephen starts with Acts chapter 6. Please read chapter 6

and chapter 7 from verse 44 to the end.

Someone who does not know the power of our God and the Holy Spirit

might say:

What was Stephen thinking? Stephen kind of reminds me of a

young female character in a low budget scary movie. You know

the one who always opens the door and walks into the dark room

where the bad guy is. You are thinking “don’t do it,” but she

always walks in anyway and gets in trouble. Maybe that’s the way

to make a good movie.

So here is Stephen. He is in the inner circle of the Christian

community in Jerusalem so he must know the details of all the

problems Jesus had with the Jewish religious authorities. Check

out the similarities. Stephen does miraculous signs (6:8). The

leaders cannot fight the truth so they round up some false

witnesses (6:10-11, 13). They stir up the people and there is a

‘trial’ (6:12). Stephen shows the hypocrisy of the leaders and they

have him killed ( chapter 7). He should have seen it coming. If this

had been a movie, the audience would have been yelling, “don’t

do it, don’t make them mad and you will get out alive.” But just

like in the movies, it doesn't do any good.

We, of course, know the rest of the story. Steven was a brave man filled

with the Holy Spirit. Through his acts of faith, he was spreading the

gospel and strengthening the faith of many, both in those times and

through the ages. But he wasn’t alone. God was at his side the whole

time. With out God, Stephen would have failed, but the Holy Spirit was

there the whole time, keeping Stephen strong and urging him on.

So what is the point? At some point you will be called on to defend your

faith. It may be small or it may be big, but people will ask where you

stand. The Bible says God will not test us beyond our abilities. Pray that

the Holy Spirit come into your life, so that you may respond with faith

and conviction.

Written by Dave & Kristen Wall

in 2003

December 26, 2014

Acts 7:51-60

These verses contain Luke's description of the birth of Jesus; starting

with Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem to register for the census,

to Jesus' birth in the lowly manger.

This story brings back many memories for me. When I was young, on

Christmas Eve, my family had very specific customs that we would

follow. First, we would have our traditional Christmas Eve dinner which

was a unique combination of Norwegian and American foods. We had

spare ribs, lutefisk (yum, yum), lefse, cranberries (in the shape of a can),

fatigman, krumkaka and fruit soup. For a youngster anxious to get to the

highlight of the evening, opening the presents, this meal lasted an

eternity. Once we finished eating, of course then the dishes would have

to be done. Again, this was an interminable task. Even after my parents

got a dishwasher, this seemed to take forever. Of course, Mom would

use her "good china" which couldn't be put in the dish washer, so we

would have to wash them by hand anyway.

After the dishes were finally washed, dried, and put away, the whole

family would gather in the living room around the Christmas tree. This

was a very important family time for us. We were all there; Mom, Dad,

my sisters, Judy and Sandy, my brother, Jim, my grandma, and me. It

was at this time one of us would read these same verses from Luke.

Even though, as children, we were so excited to get to the opening of the

presents, during the reading of this story, we would settle down and

really listen to what Luke had written.

After the excitement of opening the presents was over, we would all get

bundled up to go to the 11:00 pm candlelight service at Bowman

Lutheran. My absolute favorite memory of Christmas from my youth is

singing “Silent Night” in the darkened church with the congregation

holding their lighted candles. I still get shivers down my spine, just as I

did then, when we sing “Silent Night” at Hosanna.

These are very special memories for me and as I reflect on their impact

on me, I find that the most important parts really are the story of Jesus'

birth along with the worship service. It wasn't the presents we would get

each Christmas that were memorable, it was the family being together

to celebrate the wonderful event of Jesus' birth.

As life goes on, my wife, Carol and our sons, Jamey and Kyle have

developed our own traditions at Christmas. I hope and pray that the

memories which Jamey and Kyle have from Christmas are as

meaningful to them as mine are to me.

Written by Scott Strand

in 2000

December 25, 2014

Luke 2:1-20

“The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their

hearts if John might be the Messiah.”

This could be a story about mistaken identity, however I was captured by

the phrase, “waiting expectantly.” My little Merriam-Webster dictionary

defined “expect” as, “to look forward to,” and “ expectation” as,

“anticipation of future good.” Waiting expectantly… can’t we all relate to

that?

Parents waiting expectantly for their first child to be born

Sixteen year-olds waiting expectantly for their license

Minnesota residents waiting expectantly for the first signs of spring

15 lunch ladies and 1 janitor waiting expectantly to claim the $95

million power ball prize (well maybe most of us can’t relate to that!)

Christians waiting expectantly for Easter morning when we can say,

“He is risen!” and “He is risen Indeed!”

Children waiting expectantly for Christmas!

In the Bible reading for today, John the Baptist was living in the

wilderness when the word of the Lord came to him. He then traveled

throughout Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the

forgiveness of sins. The Bible says that John preached to multitudes of

people and as we have all read, he used strong and forceful language as

he announced the Good News. Can you imagine being in that expectant

crowd and wondering in your heart whether this man was the Christ?

Can you feel the excitement and even the anticipation of winning the

jackpot of eternal life?

Let’s all be like the multitudes and feel the excitement of being children

of God. Let’s share the good news that none other than Jesus can fulfill

our expectations. And like the children at Christmas, let’s all live in joyful

anticipation of a future in Christ.

Prayer: Dear Christ, help us to LIVE the Good News as if we were

hearing it for the first time with the multitudes that heard John the

Baptist, and guide us as we wait EXPECTANTLY for Jesus to come again!

Merry Christmas!

Written by Juliann Roggow

in 2003

December 10, 2014

Luke 3:15-18

Oh, the power of hope. How many times have you had an experience

where even the slimmest chance for the desired outcome was sufficient to

fuel an extra measure of endurance? It might have been while waiting out

critical care of a loved one, or maybe in anticipation of scoring well on the

entrance exam, or even possibly with a shaking hold on the power ball

ticket as the numbers were selected. We often hear “where there’s life

there’s hope.” How much is required to continue clinging? We’ve all heard

wrenching survival stories where someone escapes an oppressive

situation against odds that would stop many from even trying.

Then conversely there’s that insidious despair that exhausts a life,

because there is nothing in the view ahead that would motivate just one

more step. The power of hope is amazing and the absence of it can be

devastating. I recall many experiences in my own life where the moment of

knowing was either exhilarating or devastating. Something about the

uncertainty of hope seems preferable to the possible certainty of a

disappointing outcome.

As much today as at any time we can experience a sense of hopelessness

as we recount the day’s events. Some days include awesome devastation

wrought by nature. Some days are marred by disappointment in human

behavior. And most days are stained by the death of a young soldier

somewhere on the other side of the world. Still we cling to the hope for a

peaceful world.

The psalm writer expresses gratitude for our Lord’s gracious gifts. I expect

he recognized how much worse things could have been and therefore was

to proceed hopeful in the context of this wonderful relationship. God’s

promise of a Messiah early on would fuel the hope of his people through

the ages, and the fulfillment of that promise at Jesus’ birth would

establish a new hopefulness, which through his resurrection is able to

sustain us to the end of time. Let us celebrate God’s love shown through

that promise and continue in the hope we share through our Lord, Jesus.

Dear Lord, we ask that you sustain us in all that we need. Shore up our

hope in a broken world and equip us to share that hope where it is

especially needed. Grant us blessings as we enter this Christmas time.

Amen

Written by Kim Rupprecht

in 2005

December 11, 2014

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Shepherd: one who herds, guards, and tends sheep.

I can only imagine that the life of a shepherd must have been a rather

lonely, thankless job. Someone had to do the work of caring for the

flocks; so, out to the hillsides they went, staff in hand. Don’t these

verses in Luke 2 paint a picture in your mind? I can just see the group

of lowly shepherds milling around on a starlit night doing what

shepherds do best.

Then all of a sudden an angel of the Lord appeared in the night sky

and began to talk to them, the humble shepherds. Can’t you see the

fear in their faces? They weren’t prepared to have any visitors that

night. They were just minding their own business, protecting their

sheep.

What a message the angel had for them; and yet, the first words they

heard were words of comfort, “Don’t be afraid.” then the messenger

from God told them about this incredible gift—a baby born in

Bethlehem—our Savior, Christ the Lord. The common shepherds were

the first to hear this great news complete with details and instructions

on where to find the child. As if that wasn’t enough, the trembling

shepherds watched the skies fill with “a great army of heaven’s angels

singing praises to God.” What an awesome sight and sound that must

have been!

We all experience times in our lives when we wonder where God is—

especially when we suffer pain and heartache. These verses are a

perfect reminder that God is always nearby—if we only listen. Many

times he has given me the message, “Don’t be afraid.” the feeling of

peace left in my heart is a gift and a message that he has everything

under control, and that he has special plans for me if I will listen and

obey and do his will. Just like the lowly shepherds, God loves us all

and wants to use each of us as part of his plan. So listen and don’t be

afraid! God will give you everything you need to do your part.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Teach us to be faithful and obedient like the shepherds, who were

sent to find the baby in Bethlehem. Please quiet our anxious hearts

when we are afraid, and strengthen our faith to trust and believe that

even when our lives seem frightening and chaotic, you have

everything under control.

Written by Marti Ogren

in 1994

December 24, 2014

Luke 2:8-14

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It

teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly possessions, and to live

self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait

for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior,

Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness

and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what

is good.”

When I read these words from Titus, I am reminded that there are so

many material things in our world that we ‘think” we cannot live without.

Reflecting back to my childhood, I would spend a lot of my time at my

grandparent’s farm which was just thirty minutes away from our house.

The things I remember most are: playing with all the dogs and cats,

helping to feed the chickens, collecting eggs, helping pick strawberries,

making a fort in the grove of trees, laying in the hay loft, sleeping on the

big feather ticking, grandpa getting out of bed early in the winter in order

to put wood in the stove to heat the house, getting dressed underneath

the blankets because you could see your breath, playing cards, eating

freshly baked rolls and cookies…

Other things that are also special memories for me are: Our family night

on Monday evenings spent playing games, going camping with my family

at the KOA, fishing with my Dad, Sunday afternoons spent with extended

family playing cards, my Mom making special cakes for my birthday and

working for and with my parents at their business.

It is amazing that my best memories are ones that didn’t cost a lot of

money. We need to evaluate what is truly important. Is it giving our kids a

lot of toys? Is it a big fancy house and car? Is it all the best designer

clothes?

Matthew 6:12-20 tells us that we should not store up for ourselves

treasures on earth, but in heaven.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for providing for all our needs. Let us share

the gifts you have so graciously given us with others. Amen.

Written by Lisa Nordman

in 2003

December 23, 2014

Titus 2:11-14

Since we use Holden Evening Prayer during our advent worship services

on Wednesday nights our family is very familiar with the Magnificat as

part of that service. I have chosen this variation of the Magnificat for my

devotion this year since singing this with my family has brought

nurturing and tender memories over the years.

I am particularly moved when we are fortunate enough to hear Pastor

Meiers and Lisa Bakken sing together “The Annunciation” to lead us to

this moment in Mary’s life where we can hear her awe of the moment,

and of God with unbounded love and passion. She speaks with deep

love and trust of God’s protectiveness, powerfulness, and holiness, and

she humbly rejoices in all that is being asked of her.

“You have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my

life through.”

I find that sometimes when I sing this phrase I am filled with gratitude

and see the possibilities with God as unending. There are the other

times when I sing this phrase with less trust or hope. It is then that I

realize that I am defining God’s power (and influence) in my life as

limited by my understanding.

How could Mary have joyfully sung Gods praises with no reservation?

Where was the hesitation, the ‘would you like to hear my option?’ Mary

was filled with the gratitude and trust that she needed. God supplied it.

Mary didn’t have to question, or come up with a solution. God already

had.

“Great and mighty are you O Holy One strong is your kindness evermore.

How you favor the weak and lowly one, humbling the proud of heart.”

Seeing God as a refuge—a place to go in joy and in thanksgiving—is life

giving to me. I want to share my day, my ups, my downs and my fears. I

don’t walk away with the answers, but that isn’t the point, is it?

The point for me is to be awed and to take the time to nurture the

relationship I have with God. It is when I am ‘proud of heart’ that I am

not spending time with God—or graciously facing the blessings he is

giving me, whether I desired them or they seem like challenges I would

rather not invest in right now.

My continued prayer is to allow God to awe me—in simple ways or in

complicated ways—and for me to continue trusting God without fear or

hesitation—but with humility and gratitude. I pray the same for you.

Written by Jan Rupprecht

in 2009

December 12, 2014

Luke 1:46-55

I was at college the fall of 1940 and became very ill. My severe

headaches would not go away and I couldn’t eat. Yes, I had faith in the

Lord, but I wondered if God had heard my prayers. My mother came out

and got me and we started going to doctors. Their reports were goiter -

“enlargement of the thyroid gland, but I was such a young lady. The

various doctors all gave the same report. The goiter could be removed,

but I might be handicapped and wouldn’t be able to have babies.

We went to the hospital at Halstead, Kansas to meet the specialists.

The specialist said he could help me and we entered the hospital that

day. I was given the same medication my other doctors had given me.

I had been there more than a week and there had been no change in

me. Each day the doctor would come by and speak to me and ask if I felt

better. This day I asked him to listen to me. I told him I had been talking

to God in prayer as Jesus taught us and I was ready for my surgery.

Two days later I had surgery and I was so weak they could only take part

of the goiter. I am not sure what went on for several days, but on this

morning when “I came to,” the room was full of people and I got upset

and then...

Yes, I died for a short time. I was taken from my hospital bed and I was

free of pain and worry, but this wonderful feeling did not last long. I

wasn’t real sure what had happened and asked my sister, Bernice, to

put her foot on my bed (I wanted to find out if I was back in bed). I know

I had seen a little of heaven, but God didn’t give me words to explain my

experience in heaven, though I knew it was wonderful.

My FAITH IN GOD was very strong and has always remained strong. I

had to go back in six weeks later for more surgery and I had no fear, as I

knew God was taking care of me. I have always thought my visit to

heaven was a blessing for me.

In time I was able to live a comfortable life. I had promised myself

someday I would go back to college, but had to work to get funds. I

worked as an inspector at the Omaha Bomber Plant for over three years.

I was able to pay my hospital bill and had money left for college.

I enrolled in college at Kansas Sate in the fall of 1945. I was in the

“Family Health Class” (a nurses course) and we each gave a special

report. One day my cousin gave her report on “New Hopes for Goiter

People.” I went to my doctor and was checked and found that by taking

a new medication, I would be normal. I felt like a new person.

Yes, I THANKED GOD and my faith has always remained strong. I have

been able to live a good life and have a loving family and I am still

enjoying life.

Written by Vivian Hibbing

in 2007

December 13, 2014

Matthew 11:2-6

“Remember your relative Elizabeth. It is said that she cannot have

children, but she herself is now six months pregnant, even though she is

very old. For there is nothing that God cannot do. ‘I am the Lord’s

servant’ said Mary, ‘may it happen to me as you have said.’ And the

angel left her.”

How do you think Mary must have felt after hearing the angel’s

message? These few verses pack a powerful punch and I wonder how

Mary felt. Was she optimistic or pessimistic?

Are you thankful for what you have or do you take it for granted? I see

many people today who choose to overlook all the amenities that God

gives us. Oh, I know, gas is going up, groceries cost more, clothing is

more expensive and yes, college tuition keeps on rising. On the other

hand, think about all of the wonderful things we do have. How did we

ever survive before computers, phones, DVD players, VCR players and

so many other conveniences? Just for a minute, think about the

simplest things like food on the table, warmth in the winter, good jobs,

our health and the list is endless.

There are many times that I feel that I am optimistic, but there are also

times when I forget how much I really have in this world. Ultimately,

there should be no need to be pessimistic at all. Am I truly worthy of

everything that I have?

Looking back on the verses of Luke, I see how strong Mary must have

been to put her trust in God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary, “may

it happen to me as you have said.” Perhaps we all should try harder to

let God take our hand and show us the path that Mary took. God will

lead us all if we put our trust in him.

I hope that this Advent season is one of joy, optimism and thanksgiving

for everything we have been given.

Please God, let us move forward in our lives and seek to help others to

do the same. Times are harder these days and we must continue to

pray for the whole world. Please help us to look for those in need. Teach

our children to share the wonderful blessings that they have. Above all,

pray for all people of the world without prejudiced and with an

understanding of true kindness. Amen.

Written by Marcia Witzke

in 2002

December 22, 2014

Luke 1:36-38

How appropriate that Psalm 96 is included among the scripture passages

for our Advent devotions! Psalm 96 resounds with praise for the Lord God!

Its words of praise are familiar to us. As we read these words, we know that

we’ve often heard them before. Perhaps these words evoke memories of

Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. When we read the psalm, we are

glad to see such beautiful praises lifted up to the Creator and recorded in

scripture, and we think, “Yes, this is how the Psalms should be—eloquent

praises to the Lord!”

Let’s take another look at some of these verses. “Oh, sing to the Lord a new

song: sing to the Lord, all the earth!” (v1) As Christmas approaches, many

of us look forward to hearing and singing the familiar Christmas carols that

we know by heart, and that’s good. We should sing those songs and reflect

on their lyrics. But Psalm 96 reminds us that the Creator surely loves

variety. For example, think of the myriad varieties of life forms on this earth:

birds, fish, flowers, trees, reptiles, and mammals. Think of the human race,

which now numbers over 6 billion people. Each person has unique,

individual characteristics, including distinct fingerprints. Yes, God surely

must love variety! How appropriate, then, to “Sing to the Lord a new song,

for great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised…” (v. 4) “Honor and majesty

are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” (v.6)

Where is the Lord’s sanctuary? Is it above, in the heavens? Is it here, on

earth? Consider the strength and beauty of the night sky—countless stars,

the Milky Way. Consider the earth, held in its orbit by the sun’s gravitational

pull. Yet the centrifugal force of the earth’s revolutions exactly offsets the

sun’s gravity, so that the earth is neither drawn to a fiery conclusion into the

sun’s inferno, nor is it hurled into the dark, cold, limitless expanse of outer

space. Yes “strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”

Finally, look at verses 11-13, which gives us cause for hope and

celebration. “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea

roar, and all that fills it… Then, shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will

judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.” In this

Advent season, we are reminded of Christ’s coming into the world, and

through his grace, we are saved. Alleluia! “Let the heavens be glad, and let

the earth rejoice!” (v. 11)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how can we praise you for all our good works, for

your magnificent creation, and for your great mercy and grace, which give

us hope of everlasting life? Help us, Lord, to praise you in our thoughts, our

words, and our deeds. Help us to follow the example of the good shepherd,

whose coming we celebrate and by whose grace we are saved. Help us to

be a blessing and a good neighbor to others. In his Holy name, we pray.

Amen

Written by Keith Johnson

in 1999

December 21, 2014

Psalm 96

“Be patient.” How many times have I told my 3-year-old daughter this!

When I tell her, “Be patient,” “In a minute,” or ‘Just wait,” I am hoping

she will understand while I change our baby’s diaper before we go to the

park, or trust me that she will indeed get to open her presents on her

birthday, or persevere doing a challenging task. “Be patient.” It sounds

so simple. Yet, I can see how she struggles to be patient, especially

when she is anticipating a wonderful event.

My child isn't the only one who has found it challenging to be patient. I

have had many times in my life when I felt God was saying, “Be patient.”

I remember becoming anxious when I was deciding on my career,

searching for a new job, wondering if I would ever find the right person

to marry, and wanting to have children but not knowing if that was

possible. These situations were hard, because I did not have control,

and it was easy to become impatient. I wanted to know what the future

would be. I wanted to know now!

In James 5:7-8, the writer is addressing people who were anxiously

waiting for the awesome event of the return of the Lord. People had

waited many years for the Messiah to come the first time, and now they

were anticipating his return. They were simply told, “Be patient.”

We are still waiting for the Lord’s coming, and like those of old we must

be patient. Yet, how is it possible to be patient, to bear the delay, and

calmly wait for God’s plan to be revealed and to have our prayers

answered? In James 5 it is recommended that we establish our hearts

in God to aid us in being patient. WE must keep our hopes high and

have a firm faith in God’s love for us. No matter what the future holds,

God is with us. Therefore, we can be patient.

Written by Nancy Wales

in 1995

December 14, 2014

James 5:7-8

“This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and

Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ And they asked him,

‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’

He answered, ‘No.’ Then they asked him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an

answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said,

‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the

way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said.’ Now they had been sent

from the Pharisees. They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you

are neither the Messiah nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ John answered

them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not

know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the

thong of his sandal.’ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where

John was baptizing.”

There is only one time of the year that involves flour, deformed cookies,

and more flour. This is the time when one of my uncles comes over to

our house to help make Christmas cookies. My uncle, brother, mother,

and I devote an entire afternoon to creating the strangest looking

gingerbread cookies you will ever see. There are the usual two-headed

giraffes and ginger bread men with their hair sticking up. But there are

also some that go to the extreme of having eight feet or saying ‘yoj’

instead of joy on them. And of course the afternoon would not be

complete without an annual flour fight, which results in everyone looking

like they are ready for Halloween. Despite being covered with flour, I

have found our family cookie extravaganza to be one of the favorite

parts of my holidays. It is one of the few times during November-

December when I can just relax and take everything in.

I truly believe that it is good for the mind and spirit to have some down

time once in a while, especially during the holiday sometimes, when we

get really busy, it is easy to forget about preparing ourselves for

Christmas. No, I’m not talking about cookies, I’m talking about my mind

and spirit.

In today’s Bible verse, John 1:19-28, John told the priests to prepare

themselves for the coming of Jesus. What this is saying to us is that

when we take the time to think about Christmas and what it means to

us, we can get a better understanding of why it is important and why we

celebrate it. So, if you ever get a chance to relax before Christmas,

maybe think about what Christmas means to you.

Lord, help me to prepare myself this Christmas to hear your word of how

your son, Jesus, came into the world to save me from sin. Also, may I

come to better understand the true meaning of Christmas through your

word. Amen

Written by Ann Fullem

in 2002

December 15, 2014

John 1:19-28

Today is our son Larry’s 32nd birthday. Each year at this time my

thoughts go back to that event. Larry was our firstborn so my husband

and I were eagerly awaiting and anticipating that birth—not fully knowing

what was ahead, and yet, we were assured that God would be with us.

Even though for us it was a first-time experience, we had the security of

a hospital within ten minutes of our apartment. We had the confidence

in a medical staff well-trained and experienced to deal with any and all

circumstances, and we were surrounded by the love and warmth of

friends and immediate family.

With the birth of our first born so close to Christmas, every year when we

busily prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I think of Mary

and of what she had to go through for Jesus’ birth. So young, so far away

from home, giving birth in a stable with only straw for her bed. No

medical staff to assist her—only Joseph at her side. But God was with

her and Joseph.

What comfort it is to know God is with us, that we are not forgotten. God

loved us so much that he sent his beloved Son to earth to take on our

humanness so that we might be saved.

What joy that brings us again at this Christmas time.

Whatever our circumstances might be today, we pray that we may praise

God for his gift of love to us. No matter how frazzled we may feel in

getting ready for Christmas by the demands that we may place upon

ourselves to “be ready for Christmas.” remember that the event of

Christmas will happen whether we are ready or not. Let us pray that our

hearts are ready to receive the Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to sit quietly and prepare our hearts for the

birth of Jesus, our Savior. May we be ready to receive him. May his love

glow in our hearts. Amen

Written by Shirley Kelto

in 1994

December 20, 2014

Isaiah 62:10-12

The Lord said, “These people claim to worship me, but words are

meaningless, and their hearts are somewhere else. Their religion is

nothing but human rules and traditions, which they simply

memorized…” Isaiah 29: 13

These 15 verses are some that we do not often hear. Looking through

three Bible translations and as many commentaries, there seemed to be

as many ideas as to the meaning of the words as there were writers.

While verse 13 was directed to a different group and in a much different

set of circumstances, it does speak to me on another level.

Advent has been taken over by marketers. The only coming event being

focused on is the day when the year-end sales figures are calculated.

Sure, much of what we see is draped in traditions. Words are used and

blessings thrown about, but are these meaningless? Is this use of

religion nothing but tradition? Are our hearts somewhere else?

When Isaiah spoke these words, he was warning against the Israelites

forming alliances with Egypt. They were thinking they could hide what

they were planning from God if they outwardly continued to give him lip

service.

In our world today, do we form our alliance with things? Is our Advent

merely waiting for the day when we receive earthly gifts? Are our hearts

somewhere else? Do we repeat the words to those familiar carols so

automatically that they become meaningless?

Prayer: We ask for your help, Heavenly Father, to keep Christ at the

center of Christmas. Assist us as we sing the words and repeat the

stories, to treasure each one. Hold our hearts open to the message of

forgiveness and the power of grace, the true meaning of Christ’s coming

into the world. Amen

Written by Karl Dirksen

in 2004

December 19, 2014

Isaiah 29:9-24

“Young women and young men, together with the elderly will celebrate

and dance, because I will comfort them and turn their sorrow into

happiness.” Jeremiah 31:13

Diversity, how beautiful it is. Amid a world of differing races, religions,

colors, ages, and genders, the world is united. Despite war, famine,

violence, disease, and fear, we are gathered. In this instance, in this

scene, amongst these nations, we become one with the ability to join

together in dance and celebration. If this passage emits anything, it is

the chance for unity through Jesus Christ. Our brothers and sisters,

many of whom we go to war against everyday, are able to join together

in peace and happiness through Christ Jesus, if but for a few brief

moments. What a simply amazing thought! What an undeniable amount

of grace! What a challenge for the rest of the year!

The holiday season is a time of gathering when we often glance over the

differences that divide us and instead grasp ways of acceptance. We

overlook those aspects that may be grounds for discrimination and pain

in order to regain that sense of unity. Families in feud can often come

together. Children see each other in a new light, and life becomes more

joyful and beautiful. The birth of Christ and his ability to recreate this

newness and acceptance is a rare gift.

This passage from Jeremiah grasps at this gift, this uniting of all through

Christ, and brings the beauty of what happens when peace engulfs all.

But, the important thing about this passage is that it is not only for the

holiday season. This passage calls for a year round commitment to God

and Jesus Christ, and the Christian message of love and devotion. The

beauty of togetherness is a timeless thing. This season as you embrace

the diversity in all, look for ways to make this a year long commitment.

Through ending violence, through helping those in need, and through

our work in Christ worldwide, may our sorrows be turned into true

happiness.

Wishing you all many blessings, wonderful memories, and joyous

reflections on this most holy holiday, the Birth of Christ!

Written by Abby Romme

in 2005

December 16, 2014

Jeremiah 31:10-14

“...Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you. But, she (Mary) was

much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this

might be.” Luke 1:28-29

Gabriel’s pronouncement to Mary was some of the greatest news

anyone has ever heard. Mary was the one God had chosen to bring his

only Son into the world. The honor was enormous, almost beyond

comprehension. But, Mary’s first reaction wasn’t joy; it was fear and

perhaps even some skepticism. We can only imagine the thoughts that

rushed through her mind; “A baby? Now? What will Joseph think? How

will I explain this? Who will believe me? Can this be true?” But, as Luke

goes on to tell the story, her negative reaction fades quickly. It doesn’t

take long for Mary to come around, and soon she is praising God for the

blessing he has bestowed on her.

Mary’s first response to the angel bears noticing, though. How often

have we had the same reaction when faced with God’s truth. He tells us

he loves us. He promises we are saved, if we only believe. He asks us to

share the good news of Christ with others and assures us that the Holy

Spirit will guide us. But, it’s easy to react in fear and skepticism the way

Mary did. “Maybe I haven’t been good enough to earn God’s

forgiveness.” “What if people make fun of me for speaking the Gospel?”

“Why would God chose me for his own? I haven’t been that great a

person.” “No one is going to believe me when I tell them about Christ.”

With the Holy Spirit’s help, this reaction can fade away as quickly as

Mary’s did. God will give us the strength to fulfill his will and the faith to

believe his word, if we only ask him. Like Mary, we can also rejoice in

God’s promises and be confident that he will always be there to lead us.

Prayer: Dear God, in this time of preparation, as we anticipate the

coming of Christ, grant us the faith to always believe in your promises

and the courage to spread the Good News to others. Remind us that we

can rejoice in the knowledge that, through Jesus, we are your beloved

children. Amen.

Written by Tracy Will

in 1999

December 17, 2014

Luke 1:26-29

In this passage, John the Baptist is born to Elizabeth and Zechariah,

faithful people of great age.

To this point you can imagine the suffering, shame and uncertainty they

must have felt. For Jews at that time, children were considered a

blessing; childlessness a curse. Who would carry on the family name?

Was God displeased with them? Who would take care of them in their

old age?

God had a plan for them. In God’s time came a miracle—the birth of

John, who came to prepare the community for Jesus the Christ who cam

to earth, lived with us, died for our sins and rose to conquer sin and

death that we might have eternal life.

God also has a plan for each of us and for our congregation. God

answers prayers and fulfills promises in his time.

The theme of community stands out in this reading. In verse 58, Luke

writes that Elizabeth’s ...neighbors and relatives...rejoiced with her” at

the mercy God had shown her with the birth of John. They were there to

celebrate in the miracle and to support what surely was expected to be

a difficult birth.

On the 8th day, family and friends gathered again to celebrate the baby

becoming part of God’s covenant with Israel with the circumcising and

naming of the baby. The community was influenced by the dialogue that

led to the baby being named John instead of the more traditional

practice of taking the name of the father or some other family name. In

verse 65, the freeing of Zechariah’s tongue led to discussion and

reflection by the surrounding community about what it all meant. They

said, “What then will this child become? for, indeed, the hand of the

Lord was with him.”

So it is with Hosanna. The hand of the Lord is with us as we live in

community together discovering and implementing the plan that God

has for us. We worship together. We celebrate together. We sing

together. We encourage one another. We mourn together. We eat

together. We work together. We support one another.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, recall the faith and patience of

Elizabeth and Zechariah. What an extraordinary plan God had for them.

Imagine what exciting and extraordinary plans God has for Hosanna!

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your son Jesus to reconcile us to you.

Let your spirit fill our hearts so that we are moved to build up the

community of believers. Give our Hosanna community faithfulness and

patience so that we might implement the plans you have for us. Amen.

Written by Paul Mattson

in 2004

December 18, 2014

Luke 1:57-66